The entrance to the post-and-beam house looks much like it would have when it was first built in 1957. Architect Aaron Neubert installed cedar over what was originally painted siding. "I love the wood," owner Jack Latner said. "It gives the house a modern, log cabin feel."

The entrance to the post-and-beam house looks much like it would have when it was first built in 1957. Architect Aaron Neubert installed cedar over what was originally painted siding. "I love the wood," owner Jack Latner said. "It gives the house a modern, log cabin feel." (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

Architect Aaron Neubert removed the old double-galley kitchen and fireplace, then installed a bar with Douglas fir cabinets. The change made the room more open and welcoming, with a view of the city and canyon. He also replaced old aluminum sliders with Douglas fir windows to give the room a...

Architect Aaron Neubert removed the old double-galley kitchen and fireplace, then installed a bar with Douglas fir cabinets. The change made the room more open and welcoming, with a view of the city and canyon. He also replaced old aluminum sliders with Douglas fir windows to give the room a... (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

A remodel of a remodel: When this Hollywood Hills house was updated years ago, the owner built a new bedroom around a 70-year-old sycamore tree, with the trunk rising up through the floor and ceiling. More recently, new owner Jack Latner asked Silver Lake architect Aaron Neubert to turn that...